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Did you know why fatty acids produce more energy than carbohydrates?
In our daily diet, fatty acids and carbohydrates are important sources of energy. Fatty acids, however, perform even better in energy production. Fatty acid metabolism encompasses many important mechanisms that influence our energy utilization. Understanding these processes not only helps us eat healthier, but also allows us to use our body's energy more efficiently.
Fatty acids (mainly in the form of triglycerides) are the primary form of fuel storage in most animals and to a lesser extent in plants.
The metabolic processes of fatty acids can be broadly divided into two categories: catabolism (which provides energy) and anabolism (which serves as building blocks for other compounds). In catabolism, fatty acids are metabolized to produce energy, primarily in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Research shows that fatty acids release the most ATP energy per gram compared to other macronutrients.
The complete oxidation of fatty acids to carbon dioxide and water releases a large amount of energy, which is mainly achieved through beta-oxidation and the citric acid cycle.
In the process of breaking down these fatty acids, the first thing that needs to be experienced is the breakdown of fat: lipolysis. This is the action of lipolytic enzymes and usually occurs under the influence of high levels of epinephrine and glucagon. These hormones lower blood sugar levels in the body, which in turn lowers insulin levels. With the release of fatty acids, these anhydrous fatty acids are liberated into the blood, attached to plasma albumin, and transported to cells throughout the body for use.
Then, long-chain fatty acids need to be transported into cells through specific transport proteins for metabolism. After entering the cell, the fatty acid combines with coenzyme A to form fatty acyl-CoA, which is then shuttled into the mitochondria using carnitine. Here, through the process of beta-oxidation, long-chain fatty acids are broken down into a series of two-carbon units (acetyl-CoA), which will further participate in the citric acid cycle to release energy and produce ATP.
Through each β-oxidation, the final decomposition of each acetyl-CoA will produce several ATPs, which is an extremely rich source of energy.
Compared to fatty acids, carbohydrate storage is less efficient. Carbohydrates are stored in the body as glycogen, and these glycogens are much heavier than fatty acids in their hydrated state. In fact, the characteristic of "1 gram of glycogen comes with about 2 grams of water" makes carbohydrates perform relatively poorly in storing energy, causing fatty acids to store more energy under the same mass.
More notably, many animals rely on their fat reserves as a source of energy when hibernating or migrating long distances. This not only demonstrates the importance of fatty acids as a source of energy, but also makes us aware of the advantages of their high energy density.
For example, bears rely almost entirely on fat reserves for energy during the five months of hibernation, and their efficient use of energy sources allows them to stay alive for long periods of time.
This is when the true potential of fats is revealed, as they are stored in a hydrated state and can provide more energy than regularly used carbohydrates. Some studies show that if the body relied solely on carbohydrates as a storage source, it would need to carry up to six times as much weight as fat.
In addition to their energy-providing functions, fatty acids also play an integral role in cell biology. They are the main components of cell membrane phospholipids, and these fragile membranes are responsible for the transmission of materials and signals inside and outside the cell. In addition, fatty acid derivatives, such as prostaglandins, serve as local hormones and play an important role in many physiological processes of the body.
In addition, dietary sources of fatty acids can be obtained from animals or plants and are absorbed through a series of digestive processes and ultimately stored as energy for use when needed. Every step of the way demonstrates the critical role of fatty acids in our diets.
Therefore, there is a clear difference in the energy-producing efficiency of fatty acids and carbohydrates, which is also worthy of attention when we think about our daily diet: In the pursuit of a healthy life, how do you think fatty acids will affect your dietary choices?
